September/October 2012

Designing Waikoloa— Architect Ted Garduque

From thatched roof Polynesian hale to sprawling Plantation-era structures and modern tropical palaces, the architecture of these islands tells a fascinating tale. Perhaps no one knows that story better than Ted Garduque, whose Honolulu- based architectural firm, Garduque Architects, LLC, has been adding new chapters since 1987. Among his many professional achievements are several of the most prominent buildings in Waikoloa Beach Resort: Queens’ MarketPlace, Kings’ Shops, and Kings’ Clubhouse.

Architecture in Hawai`i is a wide mix of styles, each representing a distinctive period of the island chain’s history, and more importantly, reflecting the diverse peoples and cultures that have migrated here over the years to call Hawai`i home.

From thatched roof Polynesian hale to sprawling Plantation-era structures and modern tropical palaces, the architecture of these islands tells a fascinating tale. Perhaps no one knows that story better than Ted Garduque, whose Honolulu- based architectural firm, Garduque Architects, LLC, has been adding new chapters since 1987. Among his many professional achievements are several of the most prominent buildings in Waikoloa Beach Resort: Queens’ MarketPlace, Kings’ Shops, and Kings’ Clubhouse.

A graduate of the University of Oregon (BArch) and Cornell University (MArch), Garduque has taught architecture at the University of Hawai`i, University of Oregon, and Cornell University. “Architecture in Hawai`i is so diverse that it is an absolute joy to be working in the islands, and drawing off so many influences,” he says.

When Garduque set about designing the buildings at Queens’ MarketPlace, his idea was to incorporate many of those influences in one location. “Shoppers experience a bit of
what old Hawai`i felt like during different historical periods,” he says. “We wanted visitors to get an authentic sense of the different cultural influences — from native Hawaiian, to Chinese, to missionary, to Japanese, among many others — that have made Hawai`i the special place it is today.”

The Kings’ Clubhouse, adjacent to the Kings’ Golf Course, was “inspired by a reference to the Royal and Ancient traditions,” Garduque says, referring both to the ali`i (royalty) of old Hawai`i and to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland, and its grand clubhouse overlooking the first hole of the Old Course.

“in fact, the gray color of the clubhouse is called ‘St. Andrews Gray,’” he notes. “While the architecture does not mimic the Royal and Ancient, it strives to present a regal and stately posture.”

Garduque grew up in Honolulu, and apprenticed with several of Hawai`i’s most influential architects. “That gave me an important sensitivity to the historic architecture of the islands,” he says. So when he started his own firm and began making his own mark on the architecture of the islands, he possessed a very deep knowledge.

His affiliation with Waikoloa dates back to 1987, when he was brought into the project by then-President of Waikoloa Land Company, Thos Rohr. “We had many discussions over the years, ” Garduque says. “How could we create our own image, our own interpretation of what architecture should be at Waikoloa? What would be our sense of place and make us different from Mauna Kea or Hualalai? Waikoloa appeals to a broader spectrum of the market than some of the other resorts on the island, but we always wanted to retain a sensitivity to the ali`i of the islands.”

Visitors to Waikoloa Beach Resort often remark how they are treated like modern-day royalty. They owe thanks, in part, to architect Ted Garduque and his architectural design for making them feel that way.